Warehouse Show - July, 21, 2009

There's a new semi-secret spot in Jacksonville for art and live music.

In the otherwise unsightly, slightly dilapidated, industrial part of the urban core that makes up the warehouse/factory district off Talleyrand you will find a seemingly unused warehouse space on Wambolt St marked only 8B. At least by day. But by night this unassuming location comes alive, normally due to the group of artists who recently became its tenants. It is also the practice space of a couple local bands and was recently used to host a live show.



The fact that this area of town goes completely dead not long after the sun goes and that the nearest residential area is at least a mile away makes it the perfect location for a rogue, off-the-map venue. There's no one to bother and no one to bother you. On Tuesday, July 21, the spot showcased local band Tourist Trap as well as Panzram out of Ft. Meyers. The crowd was a modest one, but impressive nonetheless being the first attempt at anything of this nature. In addition to live music, there were veggies grilling and cold beverages.

Clay Doran, aka Squid Dust, is among the artists responsible for putting the space together. Well known for his work in organizing the shows that took place in the Old Library Basement during previous Art Walks, you already have an idea of what to expect and the potential this place has. Rather than simply clear a space for the band to play and crowd to gather, the time and care was put in to make an interesting and appealing atmosphere complete with subdued lighting and installation art.



While you can count on both art and music shows occurring here on a semi-regular basis in the future, it is clear that this is only the beginning of something that will blossom into what could well be a refreshingly unique nucleus of art in culture in Jacksonville.

Click on an image for the full set. Photos by Jack Diablo.